All-Ireland League: Division 3 Round-Up

City of Derry lead the way in All-Ireland League Division 3 after the opening two rounds of matches. They hammered Suttonians 68-28 for their second bonus point win, with Sunday's Well, Seapoint, Instonians and Naas also unbeaten so far.

City of Derry and Suttonians clashed in a very entertaining encounter at Judge's Road on Saturday, with the hosts running in ten tries to go a point clear at the top of the table.

Having been relegated from the All-Ireland League just two years ago, Derry's current resurgence is all the more remarkable.

Bevan Lynch's young team took the lead against Suttonians after a scoreless opening quarter. Lock David Houston gathered a loose ball and sprinted over from 30 metres out for the first try, which out-half Richard Peoples converted.

The Dubliners responded well through their forwards and a well-taken try from centre Ronan Murphy, with out-half Jamie Ward adding the extras, got them back level.

But Derry dominated the remainder of the first half, racking up the bonus point by half-time. Houston and Jack Caithness combined to set up replacement Tom Patton for their second try.

A well-weighted chip kick from scrum half Andrew Semple teed up centre Simon Logue for his first try of the afternoon, and Logue added his second in injury-time for a 28-7 lead at the break.

Derry were now in complete control and just two minutes into the second half, Semple used quick ruck ball to cross close to the posts.

Suttonians stalwart David Walsh launched a break from his 22, from which team captain Richard Delaney made it over for a seven-pointer.

And although Murphy scored again for the visitors soon after, Derry kept the scoreboard ticking over with further tries from Semple and excellent full-back Peter Henderson (2).

Delaney replied by notching Suttonians' bonus point try, which Ward converted, but a dominant Derry had the final say as man-of-the-match Logue took his try-scoring tally for the day to four. Peoples added one conversion for an 18-point kicking haul.

Sunday's Well made it two wins out of two, coming away from Balreask Old with a 28-5 victory over Navan. Winger Chris Spearman showed his finishing skills with two tries, the first seeing him evade three tacklers close to the touchline before going over in the corner.

He followed up with an intercept score, and the Corkmen also had scoring contributions from centre David Twohig (try) and out-half Danny O'Shea, who kicked 13 points. Navan had taken the lead through a Leigh Jackson try, created by centre John Davis.

Seapoint and Instonians both continued on the winning trail, earning home victories over Wanderers and Nenagh Ormond respectively, while full-back David Aherne starred with a 15-point haul in Naas' 25-19 triumph over Rainey Old Boys at Forenaughts.

Rainey will be kicking themselves as a try from lock Peter Stewart and 14 points from the boot of impressive full-back Mark O'Connor had them leading 19-8 early on in the second half.

However, Naas sparked into life and two terrific tries from winger Jeff Delaney (53 minutes) and centre Donal Droney (62) edged them back in front, with Aherne landing both conversions.

Droney's effort was a high quality score as, picking up a pass on the left, he managed to beat three players on a mazy run to the line.

Aherne landed a 77th minute penalty to stretch the Kildare side's advantage to six points. He capped off his man-of-the-match performance in injury-time with a hugely important tackle on the advancing O'Connor who looked set to score in the right corner.

Prop Bobby Clancy was among the try scorers as Greystones secured a bonus point in their first home league game under new head coach Reggie Corrigan. Backs Simon Malone, Ronan Carroll and Jorge Prieto also crossed the NUIM Barnhall whitewash in a 29-6 win.

Highfield battled their way to their opening league success, a gutsy 25-20 win over Ards at Woodleigh Park. After a 10-10 scoreline at half-time, the Cork side pushed on with tries from full-back Dave Walker and Derek Houlihan whoses centre partner Colin Mahony kicked 10 points in all.

Meanwhile, at Rifle Park, Banbridge powered clear of Connemara in the opening half-hour on the way to a 51-10 triumph.

Four first half tries, with three of them from lock and team captain Simon McKinstry, had Bann in sparkling form.

Injury-hit Connemara suffered two sin-binnings, but fought right to the final minute and registered tries through flanker Martin O'Malley and replacement Kevin Barry.

Ashley Finlay (2), place-kicker Robin Thompson and replacement Jonny Martin completed the hosts' try-scoring haul, which also included a penalty try. It was important for Banbridge to open their win account ahead of their trip to leaders Derry on October 23.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt praised the squad's 'immense character' following the 27-24 GUINNESS Series success against Australia. Meanwhile, captain Rory Best reflects on 'an emotional day' as he made his 100th appearance for his country.

Irish Rugby TV brings you a behind the scenes look at Ireland's final GUINNESS Series game against Australia. Joe Schmidt's men marked captain Rory Best's 100th cap with a superb 27-24 victory over the Wallabies.

Saturday's GUINNESS Series clash with Australia marks Michael Kearney's last game as Ireland team manager. We spoke to him about five memorable years in the role. Watch out for a couple of special cameos!

We're ready to create something legendary. A showcase for rugby nations old and new. A tournament that will grow the game globally, promote the values, spirit and ethos of rugby and will capture the world's imagination. #Ireland2023 - Liam Neeson gives voice to Ireland's bid to host Rugby World Cup 2023.

Tickets are now on sale for the first ever Women's November International Series to be held in the UCD Bowl. Kids go free with any adult tickets. Ireland will face world champions England, top ranked Canada and the Black Ferns of New Zealand.

Tournament Director Garrett Tubridy sets the scene for an exciting weekend of rugby at UCD where 16 Women's Sevens teams will battle it out at for one qualifying spot for the Rio Olympics. Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie/sevens.

Tadhg Furlong reflects on a disappointing day for Ireland against South Africa. However, he will take positives from his first Test start and be ready to build for the final match of the series in Port Elizabeth.

Paddy Jackson is preparing for Ireland's second Test against South Africa on Saturday (kick-off 5pm local time/4pm Irish time). The Ulster out-half has been checking out Ellis Park in advance of the match.